Weather Forecast

Salon With A Twist owner hosts blood drive in honor of late father

An American Red Cross blood drive will be held noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at S.W.A.T | Salon With A Twist, 1610 Old Main St.

The father of salon owner Alison Youngs, Neil Youngs, had an aneurysm in 2007 and received more than 200 units of blood in an effort to save his life. Sadly, her father did not survive.

“My father’s birthday was October 16 so I feel like this is a way to commemorate his birthday and give the gift that keeps on giving,” Alison Youngs said. “He was a good husband, father, mechanic, aviator and Mason. He lived life to the fullest and would be proud that we were remembering him by helping give others more time with their families and loved ones.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion, according to the Red Cross. Blood collected at the blood drive may help many types of patients, including accident and trauma victims, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, premature babies and patients with blood diseases, such as leukemia, sickle cell disease and more.

To make an appointment to give blood, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 800-RED CROSS. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit www.redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.